Energy Conservation In MS During the Holidays - Presented by Julie Huerbin, OTR/L, MSCS of the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA.

1. Energy Conservation in MS
during the Holidays
Julie Huerbin, OTR/L, MSCS
Shepherd Center
Atlanta GA

2. MS Symptoms
• Fatigue ***
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Heat Intolerance
Cognition Impairment
Visual Deficits
Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction
Visual Disturbances
Muscle Weakness
Spasticity/ Spasms
Pain
Difficulty with Walking

3. Fatigue
• Most Common Symptom- 80%
• True “MS Fatigue” vs. “Tiredness”
– MS Fatigue: Unexpected, overwhelming whole body
tiredness not relieved by sleep- usually worsens as day
goes on
– Tiredness: Expected feeling after certain activities or at
end of day
• Cause- Unknown?
• Can be Controlled!

4. Factors That Impact Fatigue
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Deconditioned/ Sedentary
Medications
Depression
Interrupted Sleep
Lack of Nutrition
Life style issues
Workplace Demands
Stress (+ or -)
• HEAT***

5. Managing Heat Intolerance
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Cooling equipment (vests, headbands, wrist bands, etc.)
Fans
Ambient Temperature Settings
Time of Day
Slushy drinks
Clothing
Rest Breaks out of heat
Cool Showers
Exercise- Breaks

6. Energy Conservation
• Definition: Refers to the reduction in the amount
of energy consumed by persons achieved through
rational/ practical use.
• Monitor your energy (Money Bank=Energy Bank)
– Deposits/ withdrawals made throughout day
– Don’t use up all of the money (energy)!
– Reserve money (energy) for activities you enjoy

7. Tips for Managing your Energy
* The 5 P’s:
(Money Bank)
1. Planning:
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Make a schedule
Organize proper rest periods
Spread out errands throughout week
BE REALISTIC!
2. Prioritize:
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What tasks HAVE to be done?
What is most important to you?
Make list
DELEGATE!

8. 3. Pacing:
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The 5 P’s
continued....
Balance activity/ rest
Time of day for more difficult tasks
Do not rush!
Try to complete a task before starting another
4. Position/ Posture:
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Use good posture
Ergonomics
Avoid staying in one position
Sit while working
5. Power/ Labor Saving Devices:
* Also called “Adaptive Devices” (see pictures of examples)

9. Adaptive Devices
• Refers to all of the tools, products and devices
that can make functioning easier:
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Mobility
Dressing
Grooming/ Bathing
Self Feeding/ Meal Prep
Communication

10. Mobility
• Shower/ Tub Chair
• Grab Bars
• Power or electric Wheelchair/ Scooter
• Wheeled Walker/ Rollator/Cane
• Orthotics

11. • Sock Aide
Dressing
• Dressing Stick
• Reacher
• Long Handled Shoe Horn
• Button Hook
• Elastic Laces/ Velcro

12. Grooming
– Long handled sponge
– Bath mit
– Long handled comb/ brush
– Adaptive toothbrush
– Pill boxes

13. Feeding
• Plate Guard
• Built up handled utensils
• U-cuff
• Sippy cup/ long straw
• Dycem
• Electric can/ jar opener

14. Communication
• Adaptive writing utensils
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Wanchik
• U-cuff w/ right angle pocket
• Typing aide
• Voice Activated Systems

15. Energy Conservation during the
Holidays!
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Shopping
Decorating
Family Visits
Meal Prep
Traveling

16. Shopping
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Use lists
Shop during less busy hrs.
Shop in familiar stores
Use assistive device or scooter
Bring someone along
Most stores have option of free wrapping
Ask store employee to assist with carrying items to car
Online shopping?

17. Decorating
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Start early enough
Do a little at a time
Get help
Lightweight decoration
Artificial tree
Organize decorations

18. Meal Preparation
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Plan ahead
Make list
Pre-made ingredients
Prep night before
Gather all supplies first
Get help
Electric kitchen appliances
Lightweight dishes
Rolling cart
Timer!
Set table night before

19. Family Visits
• Have family contribute to meal by bringing dish
(potluck)
• Plan ahead and increase space in your home as much as
possible:
– Push furniture to the walls
– Designate “walking traffic” area
– Designate space for gifts, food, etc.
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Don’t get OVERWHELMED!
Take a “time out”
Don’t overschedule visits- prioritize
Watch alcohol consumption and food
intake

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Traveling
Make lists
Pack ahead of time
Carry on!
If traveling by air, make prior accomodations to get
assistance navigating through airport
Get to airport early enough!
Consider taxi to airport
If traveling by land, plan short/quick rest stops OR
overnight stays if needed
Rolling/ lightweight suitcase

21. Thank You!
Have a Safe and Energy Conserving
Holiday Season !!